THE POWER OF “QI”

PRESCOTT - "Being out of balance - everyone has their own version of what that is," Melissa Lee told the group that gathered last week at Prescott's Lions Hall. "But they're usually uncomfortable."

Lee, owner of Walla Walla based Melissa Lee Acupuncture, gave a presentation and workshop on "The Science of Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine" in Prescott last Monday night. The free event began with a brief presentation on acupuncture, its history, and its benefits.

Acupuncture, Lee said, was developed over 5,000 years ago in China. At its core is the concept of qi (pronounced "chee"), which has no ready English translation. "It (qi) is described as the energy that enlivens and animates," she said. "It supports us and nourishes us." In other words, as Lee put it, "Good qi means good health."

The flow of qi, she added, can be affected by any number of factors, including diet, occupation, genetic makeup, emotions, and trauma.

Lee explained to the crowd that there are twelve main pathways qi takes through the body, which are known in acupuncture as meridians. Along these meridians are acupuncture points, locations which can be manipulated to aid the proper flow of qi through the body.

She pointed out that while many would-be acupuncture patients are scared off by the unscientific sounding premise, the World Health Organization has clinically studied acupuncture and found it useful in the treatment of nearly one hundred conditions, includ- ing depression, arthritis, headaches, stress, muscle strains, and fatigue.

Lee also demonstrated the technique of acupressure, which utilizes the same points as acupuncture but uses pressure from one's fingers instead of needles. She said that acupressure is easy to do on yourself or someone else.

One of the locations she demonstrated was "Pericardium 6," located two inches above the wrist crease between the tendons on the inside of the wrist. Lee stated that this point is a helpful calming point for anxiety, helps with nausea, and may be of some aid to those suffering from asthma.

"Once you find the point, you'll know it," said Lee. "You should feel something." The point will often ache once pressed. Once the point is located, Lee suggests applying pressure with a finger or two for about a minute.

The workshop was coordinated by Lara Schnick, the Prescott Library's recently retired manager. "I'm now a big believer in the benefits of acupuncture and wanted her (Lee) to share facts with the community," she said.

Melissa Lee's website is melissaleeacupuncture. yolasite.com.